Kennet Eichhorn Impresses Leverkusen Teammates In Training

Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Kennet Eichhorn has taken another important step towards his comeback after participating in his first team training session following a three-month absence.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin during the summer, had been sidelined by a metabolic disorder that required medical treatment and prevented him from beginning his career at the BayArena.

After returning to individual training last week, Eichhorn joined his teammates for selected exercises on Tuesday morning, immediately attracting attention with his technical ability and enthusiasm.

According to BILD, the youngster showed few visible signs of his lengthy absence during the session.

Martínez Gives Eichhorn A Warm Welcome

Eichhorn arrived on the training pitch at 11 a.m. and immediately began practising with the ball, displaying the technical qualities that made him one of Germany's most highly rated young midfielders.

Following the opening passing exercise, the Spanish coach Carles Martínez invited the teenager into the team circle and welcomed him back.

The youngster subsequently participated in several light exercises, including passing drills and rondos, where his close control and composure in tight spaces reportedly impressed observers.

Despite spending three months away from regular football, Eichhorn appeared comfortable on the ball and physically capable of handling the limited workload.

However, his participation was deliberately restricted as Leverkusen continues to manage his recovery carefully.

Eichhorn's Spectacular Goal Delights Teammates

After approximately 30 minutes, Eichhorn's involvement in the main training session came to an end, but the teenager was not finished.

He continued working alongside Moussa Diaby, Nathan Tella and Guéla Doué, who are also recovering from injuries.

During a shooting exercise, Eichhorn produced the standout moment of the morning, scoring with a spectacular effort from around 15 metres using the outside of his weaker left foot.

The strike prompted enthusiastic celebrations from Diaby, Tella and Doué, who were reportedly delighted by the youngster's technique.

Perhaps even more revealing was Eichhorn's reluctance to leave the training ground.

Long after the other players had departed, he remained on the pitch with Doué, exchanging passes and taking part in playful one-on-one duels.

The pair were eventually the last players to leave the field at 12:26 p.m., illustrating just how eager Eichhorn was to make the most of his return to football.

Leverkusen Refuse To Rush His Comeback

Despite the encouraging signs, the Werkself remain determined to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the teenager.

Eichhorn resumed individual training on November 2 after completing the medical treatment required for his metabolic disorder.

At the time, managing director for sport Simon Rolfes emphasised that the club would carefully monitor his progress rather than establish a fixed date for his return.

The plan remains to gradually increase Eichhorn's workload while continuing to assess his physical condition.

According to BILD, athletic trainer Daniel Jouvin is working closely with the midfielder, with each increase in training intensity coordinated with Leverkusen's medical department.

Martínez has also stressed the importance of helping Eichhorn settle into his new surroundings, highlighting the value of training at the club's facilities, spending time with teammates and finally feeling part of the squad.

Although Tuesday's session represented another positive milestone, the 17-year-old is not yet ready for competitive football, and no definitive return date has been established.

For the German side, the immediate priority is ensuring that one of their most promising summer signings can complete his recovery without setbacks.

Eichhorn's first steps back into team training have nevertheless provided an encouraging glimpse of the player Bayer invested in during the summer, with his technical quality and enthusiasm already making an impression on his new teammates.